The new Mahindra XUV300 has been revealed, with a high-ranking official from the Indian automaker already confirming it will be launched in South Africa early in 2019.

The new XUV300 – which earlier went by the internal codename S201 – interestingly employs the Ssangyong Tivoli’s underpinnings, although is shorter overall than that vehicle.

It is expected to compete against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Ford EcoSport and Suzuki Vitara. Although powertrain options have yet to be announced, reports suggest the XUV300 will be offered with a turbocharged 1,2-litre petrol engine and a 1,5-litre turbodiesel unit.

Dr Pawan Goenka, managing director at Mahindra & Mahindra, told IndianAutosBlog the new model’s launch would take place in India and South Africa “nearly simultaneously”.

It’s not yet clear whether Mahindra SA would consider assembling the latest model at its new assembly plant in KwaZulu-Natal (which currently churns out the Pik Up in both single- and double-cab body styles) or fully import it.

In India, the new XUV300 crossover will be offered with 17-inch alloys, LED taillamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, seven airbags, a sunroof, parking sensors, a reversing camera and a touchscreen-based infotainment system.

Ryan has spent most of his career in online media, writing about everything from sport to politics and other forms of crime. But his true passion – reignited by a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 still tucked lifeless in a dark corner of his garage – is of the automotive variety.